Means for coupling motors to rock-drills.



No. 784,757. PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905. J. H. REDFIELD. MEANS FOR COUPLINGMOTORS TO ROCK DRILLS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 27, 1904.

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No. 784,757. PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905. J. H. REDPIELD.

MEANS FOR COUPLING MOTORS TO BOOK DRILLS.

APPLIOATION FILED APR. 27, 1904,

8 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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J. H. REDFIELD. MEANS FOR COUPLING MOTORS TO BOOK DRILLS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 27, 1904.

3 SHEETSHEET 3.

UNITED STATES Patented March 14, 1905.

PATENT OEEIcE.

JOHN H. REDFIELD, OF DENVER, COLORADO, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO FREDGRUTT, OF DENVER, COLORADO, AND CHARLES GRUTT AND EMIL GRUTT, OFDAVENPORT, WASHING ON.

MEANS FOR COUPLING MOTORS TO ROCK-DRILLS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 784,757, dated March14, 1905.

Application filed April 27, 1904. Serial No. 205.210.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN H. REDFIELD, a citizen of the United States ofAmerica, residing in the city and county of Denver and State ofColorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Means forCoupling Motors to Rock-Drills and Similar Machines; and I do declarethe following to be a full, clear, and exact description of theinvention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which itappertains to make and use the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of referencemarked thereon, Which form a. part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in means for coupling or connectingthe operating-motor with rock-drills or similar machines.

This invention is intended to do away with the necessity or requirementfor a flexible shaft to form the connection between the motor and theoperating-shaft of the drill. The

. flexible shaft is a very expensive device and is comparativelyshort-lived. In my improvement the motor is suspended on the guideshellof the machine, and the coupling mechanism includes telescoping parts tocompensate for the movement of the casing as it slides back and forth onthe guide-shell. The casing containing the gears for transmitting motionfrom the armature-shaft to the main operating-shaft of the mechanism isrevolubly mounted on the motor-casing to permit the necessary movementor change in inclination of the telescoping parts during thebackand-forth sliding movement of the drill casing or body upon theguide-shell. The main shaft of the coupling mechanism passes entirelythrough the gear-case and slides freely therein as the drill-casingmoves back and forth. The extremity of this shaft adjacent thedrillcasing is fixed to move With the said casing, since the gearconnected With this extremity of the shaft meshes With a gear on theoperating-shaft of the drill, the two gears being inclosed in a suitablehousing or gearcase.

The main operating-shaft of the coupling mechanism is of sufiicientlength to permit the desired or necessary range of movement withoutinterfering with the operation of the mechanism.

Having briefly outlined my improved construction, as well as thefunction it is intended to perform, I will proceed to describe the samein detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings,in which isillustrated an embodiment thereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved couplingmechanism, shown connected in operative relation with a drill. Fig. 2 isan inside view of the gear-case and gears With which the gear on thearmatureshaft cooperates. Fig. 3 is a detail view of the motor with themechanism shown in Fig. 2 removed. Fig. 4 is an end view of the motor ora view taken at right angles to Fig. 3, the motor being shown mounted onthe drill, whose screw-shaft is shown in section, taken on the line 4 4,Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 5 5, Fig. 4, lookingdownwardly. Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6 6, Fig. 1, the partsbeing shown on a larger scale. Figs. 7 and 8 are similar sections withparts broken away, the armature-shaft and the pinion thereon beingomitted. In these views the clutch mechanism is shown in two positions.Figs. 9 and 10 are sections taken on the lines 9 9 and 1O 10,respectively, of Fig. 8 Fig. 11 is a detail view of the lower extremityof the operating-shaft of the coupling mechanism. Fig. 12 is acrosssection of the said shaft. Fig. 13 is a section taken through thetelescoping parts of the coupling, showing the operating-shaft connectedwith the drill. Fig. 14 is a section taken on the line 14: 14:, Fig. 13.Fig.15 is a section taken on the screw, suitably journaled.

shaft 8 of the drill is provided with a fast bevel-gear 9, meshing witha pinion 10, made fast to one extremity of the coupling-shaft12,operated from the motor, as hereinafter described. The pinion 10 is madefast to a sleeve 13, the latter being splined on the shaft 12, wherebythe sleeve and pinion rotate in unison therewith. The shaft, however, ispermitted a longitudinal movementin the sleeve or the sleeve on theshaft, as may be desired. The pinion'lO is held in operative or meshingengagement with the gear 9 by a washer 1 1, interposed between thepinionand the upper extremity of thetelescopingtubular part 15,whichcooperates with the tubular part 16, screwed to a bearing A of the lowergear-case A. The telescoping part 15 is screwed into a housing 17,mounted on the shaft 8 of the drill and inclosing the gears 9 and 10.The case A is also provided with a bearing A and flanges A",interlocking with flanges A, mounted on the motor-casing r 5 The flangesA and A are interrupted, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, whereby they may beinterlocked with or detached from each other by a partial rotarymovement. .ltis evident from this construction that the gear-case A mayhave a rotary movement on the motor-easing as the body 6 of the drill ismoved back and forth to allow the telescoping parts to cl'iange theirinclination. The gear-case A is composed of two parts A and A, connectedby bolts A. The bearings A and A of this gear-case are provided withbushings A and A', through which the shaft .12 passes. This shaft 12 isprovided with longitudinal grooves (1, adapted to receive ribs, tongues,or splines with which the parts are provided, which normally rotatetherewith. The grooves a extend the whole length of the shaft 12, andthe latter moves freely through all of the parts with which it isconnected. In order to prevent the shaft from dropping out when in theposition shown in Fig. 1, its upper extremity is provided with a cap 0.In order to prevent the shaft from sliding through its con- ,nectionswhen the cou pling mechanism is disengaged from the d rill.the lowerextremity of the shaft is provided with a reduced extension (I, having ahead Upon the extension (Z is mounted a washer 7, provided with notchesg which normally register with the lol'lgitudinal grooves (a of theshaft. However, if it is not desired to have the shaft slide out of itsconnected parts the washer is pushed inwardly against a coil-spring l1far enough to disengageit from a pin 17, made fast to the head a of theextension. The washer may then be turned to bring its notches r out ofregister with the grooves r! of the shaft, after which the washerreturns to engagement with the head and the pin engages another holetherein.

Surrounding the shaft 12 and fitting withextremity of this sleeve B isprovided with teeth B, adapted to interlock with the teeth B of aclutch-sleeve B splined on the shaft or having tongues B", (see Fig.10,) engaging the grooves (a of the shaft 12. hen the teeth B and B ofthe clutch-sleeves B and B interlock, as shown in Fig. 7 of thedrawings, the shaft 12 will be rotated by the rotation of the motor..Vhen, however, these clutch-sleeves are disengaged, as shown in Fig. 8,the rotation of the armature-shaft will not impart rotary movement tothe shaft 12. The extremity of the sleeve B remote from the teeth B isprovided with a head B, which engages a spring B, interposed between thehead B and a screw-cap B screwed into the adjacent extremity of thebearing A. Surrounding the cl utch-sleeve B immediately below the head Bis a collar B which is loose on the sleeve B, but locked against ro tarymovement by a screw B threaded into the bearing A and engaging avertical groove B formed in the collar B. Below the collar .B is acooperating collar B, which is free to turn on the sleeve B The twocollars B and B are provided with inclined toothed adjacent edges B andB, respectively. Between the toothed edges of these two collars islocated a loose pinion B. \hen the clutch members B and B are inengagement, the pinion B occupies the position shown in Fig. 7. hen itis desired to separate the collars for the purpose of disengaging theinterlocking teeth of the clutch-sleeves, the collar B is given apartial rotary movement, whereby the pinion B is rotated sufliciently toforce the collar B upwardly against the head B of the clutch-sleeve Bwhereby the latter is actuated or moved on the shaft 12 sufficiently todisengage its teeth from the teeth of the other clutch-sleeve. Thecollar B is rotated through the instrumentality of a lever-arm B whichpasses through a slot B formed in the bearing A, its inner extremitybeing made fast to the said collar. The slot B is closed against theentrance of dirt or foreign particles of matter by a guard B", which isattached to and moves with the lever-arm B Mounted on the lower part ofthe clutchsleeve B is a gear G, interposed between two fiber washers C.The lower fiber washer engages a shoulder C, fast on the sleeve B. Theupper fiber washer is engaged by a nut U, screwed on the sleeve B, whileabove the nut C is a lock-nut C". These nuts when tightly screwed lockthe gear C on the sleeve sufficiently for ordinary purposes. If,however, the movement of the drill should be suddenly stopped, wherebythe shaft 12 could not rotate without breakage, the gear C Would turn onthe sleeve B until the mechanism could be thrown out of gear by theoperation of the lever-arm B The gear C meshes with a pinion D, fast ona short shaft D, journaled in bearings D a into the motor-casing.

formed in the gear-case A. Mounted also on the shaft D is abeveled gearD which meshes with a gear D", fast on the armature-shaft D Theguide-shell 5 of the drill is provided with longitudinally-arrangedbottom flanges E, engaged by flanges E, formed on a plate E mounted ontop of the motor-casing A and interposed between a number of pairs ofwashers The plate E is provided with four apertnred ears E", each earbeing located between a pair of rubber washers Bolts are passed throughregistering apertures formed in the washers E and the ears E" andthreaded In this way the motor is relieved from the shock or vibrationincident to the operation of the drill mechanism. This is a veryimportant feature in apparatus of this class, since the motor mechanismis exceedingly sensitive to vibrations, jars, and concussions such asare incident to the operation of rock-drills or similar mechanism. Inorder to further accomplish this end, the

flanges E are cut away on opposite sides to receive two pairs of rubbercushions E. Between each pair of cushions E is located the innerextremity of a pin E having an outer head E. Each flange E of the plateE is provided with a casing E", in which is located a coil-spring E,which acts on the inner extremity of the pin E to force the latter intothe opening between the cushions E. This mechanism further relieves themotor from jars or vibrations incident to the operation of the drillmechanism.

In mounting the motor upon the supporting-flanges E the pins E are drawnoutwardlyby pulling on their heads E until the flanges E are moved farenough to prevent the pins from moving inwardly. Then when the motor ismoved to its position upon the flanges E the pins E will spring intoplace between the cushions E on opposite sides.

In order to facilitate the lubrication of the bearings of the shaftsworking in the gearcase A, the latter is provided with a number ofoil-cups F, which are provided with screwcaps having milled heads F.

From the foregoing description the use and operation of my improveddevice will be readily understood. The motor is mounted on theguide-shell of the drill in a-manner heretofore described, whereby it isgiven a cushioned mounting to obviate or overcome the vibrationsincident to the operation of the drill, as explained. The couplingmechanism is then connected with the outer plate of the motorin a mannerdescribed, and particularly shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. After theconnections have been made and the motor set in motion it is evidentthat rotary movement will be communicated to the drivingshaft 8 of thedrill through the instrumentality of the various elements heretoforeexplained, assuming that the device is in gear or that theclutch-sleeves B and B are in operative engagement, as shown in Fig. 7.hen it is desired to throw the device out of gear or stop the rotationof the shaft 12, the collar B is given apartial rotary movement, wherebythe clutch-sle-eves are separated, allowing the motor to run withoutoperating the drill. The sleeve Bisprovided withacollarG, which is madefast thereto by a screw G. The sleeve B is also provided with a collar0', which is fast thereon below the gear C. The collar C prevents thesleeve from moving in one direction,and the collar Gr prevents it frommoving in the opposite direction.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. The combinationwith the guide-shell, of a rock-drill or similar machine, of an electric.motor yieldingly suspended therefrom, and

an operative connection between the motor and the drill, includingtubular telescoping parts whereby the coupling is extensible tocompensate for the bacl and-forth movement of the drill-body on theguide-shell.

2. The combination with a drill or similar machinehaving aguide-shelland a body part movable longitudinally thereon, of a motor yieldinglyconnected with the guide-shell, and an operative connection between themotor and the power-shaft of the drill, comprising an operating-shaft, agear connection between the shaft and the motor-armature, a gearconnection between the operating shaft of the coupling and theoperating-shaft of the drill, the coupling-shaft being movablelongitudinally to allow the drill to move back and forth' on theguide-shell without changing the position of the motor, telescopingsleeves surrounding the shaft and forming a protection therefor, andgear-cases with which the telescoping sleeves are respectivelyconnected, the gear-case connected with the motor being mounted thereonto permit'a partial rotary movement for the purpose set forth.

3. The combination with a drill, a guideshell and an electric motor, ofa cushion connection between the guide-shell and the motor whereby thelatter is yieldingly suspended on the shell to prevent or overcome thevibration incident to the operation of the drill.

4. The combination of a drill, a guide-shell and a motor, of a cushionconnection between the guide-shell and motor for arresting thevibrations which would otherwise be communicated from the drill to themotor during the operation of the drill.

5. The'combination with a guide-shell and drill, of a plate slidablymounted on the guideshell, a motor, bolts for connecting the motor withthe plate, and cushion-washers located on opposite sides of the plate,the bolts passing through registering openings formed in the washers andplate, substantially as described.

6. The combination with a drill, of a guideshell provided with flanges,a'plate having flanges forming ways which the flanges of the guide-shellenter, a motor, cushion-washers located between the motor and plate, andbolts for securing the plate to the motor, and cushion-washersinterposed between the heads of the bolt and the plate.

7. The combination with a drill and guideshell, of a track mounted onthe guide-shell,

a plate provided with ways which engage the track, cushions inserted inthe track on opposite sides, spring-actuated devices mounted on theflanges of the plate and adapted to pass between the said track-cushionswhen the plate is in position, a motor and a cushion connection betweenthe motor and the plate, substantially as described.

8. The combination with a drill and guideshell, of a motor suspendedfrom the guideshell, a gear-case movably connected with the motor, ashaft journaled in said gear-case, a gearing connection between saidshaft and the armature of the motor, a second shaft passing through thegear-case at right angles to the first-named shaft, a sleeve throughwhich the second shaft passes, a gearing conncction between the saidsleeve and the firstnamed shaft, the said sleeve having clutchteeth atone extremity, a second sleeve having cooperating teeth, the secondsleeve being splined on the second shaft, a gearing con nection betweenthe second shaft and the operating-shaft of the drill, the second sleevebeing capable of longitudinal movement on the second shaft, and meansfor actuating the second sleeve to disengage the cooperating teeth ofthe two sleeves.

9. The combination with a drill, a guideshell, and a motor mounted onthe guide-shell, of a gear-case mounted to turn on the motorcasing, anoymrating-shaft passing through the gear-case, a gearing connectionbetween the armature of the motor and the said shaft, clutch memberssurrounding the shaft one of them being movable, two toothed collarslocated adjacent eachother, a loose pinion interposed between thetoothed edges of the collars, the latter being constructed to allow thepinion to occupy a position between them when their body portions are inengagement with each other, the toothed portions of the two collarsbeing inclined whereby a partial rotary movement of one collar separatesthe two collars by the longitudinal movement of one collar, and aconnection between the longitudinally-movable collar and one of theclutch members whereby the latter is actuated sufliciently to disengagethe two clutch members for the purpose set forth.

10. The combination with a drill and a motor mounted thereon, of meansfor coupling the motor with the operating mechanism of the drillincluding suitable gearing, and a gear-case having flanges interlockingwith flanges formed on the motor-casing, thefianges of both parts beinginterrupted to permit the removal of the gear-case by a partial rotarymovement.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN H. REDFIELD.

WVitnesses:

A. J. OBRIEN, DENA NELsoN.

